How do you manage...

Hey guys,

so to start off I have a wonderful support system, both of my parents have been through this surgery so they kinda know what I'm about to go through lol. My boyfriend is also supportive but he has never had problems with his weight and can basically eat whatever he wants without it effecting him. So he can empathize for me but doesn't really understand.

How did you guys help your family/partner understand what your going trough and how hard/difficult it can be to whatch then eat foods that you absolutely love ie chips fast food etc

thanks,

~becky

Honestly, the only thing that got my husband fully on board and understanding the challenges ahead was to watch the TLC show "My 600 lb Life".

They showcase extreme cases and cut corners on many aspects but for whatever reason, it was the only thing that really resonated with him.

Im still pre-op so it remains to be seen just how prepared he is, but our lifestyle and eating habits have certainly improved.

Take him to your appointments and support group meetings. Helps them to understand what is involved.

Hey Becky,

I'm still pre-op, so I look forward to what more seasoned folks have to say. I have some perspective, but of course have no idea if what I think will manifest into reality once I have my surgery.

So here's my two cents. I'm doing this for me, and choosing to change my habits for me. I'm getting the surgery as a tool to help me do that. I don't need people around me to change their eating habits. Difficult or not, it's not their responsibility to change to accommodate me. I have a 12 year old nephew who spends a lot of time at my place. I will continue to cook for him the way he is used to, and bake for him, and serve him dessert. He's an active, healthy, fit kid and I'm not going to impose my burden on him. But same thing with the rest of my family. They will have wine at dinner. They will eat as normal. It's ok. I am thrilled with my choice and will reap so many benefits I will not be jealous of what I don't have. I will be grateful for what I do have.

That's what I have been mentally coaching and preparing myself for. I hope theory and practice collide in this case!!

Hey. I can sympathize! My husband basically disappears when he turns sideways and can eat nonstop with any food.

The biggest thing is just keeping him in the loop. I took him to the orientation, I had him read the book they give us, and I just talk openly about the struggles with my weight. He was super supportive from day 1 and just wants a healthy wife, but there is the struggle with just not truly getting what it is like. In the end it all goes back to communication (like all things in a relationship).

Keep him engaged in the process and let him know how he can support you. Guys naturally want to fix things, give him hints on things that will help you be successful (I told mine to put my craving food the he likes up high and say no if I ask for it). He also knows that if I haven't gone to a workout class or had a game in a couple days a walk is brought up. It makes him feel like he is having a part in fixing my health.

My hubby is very slim and can eat anything. If I asked him not to have snack food he would not eat it but this was my surgery and my change. I feed my family healthy but there are lots of treats for them and we do stop at fast food sometimes. I make the decision every morsel of food what needs to go in my body and that means I often eat differently than my family.

i almost always eat differently than my family. They have treats often, and 9 times out of 10 I don't mind. The odd time I ask them to eat it elsewhere or to go out to get the treat so i don't have to watch them.

If you follow the plan, and eat what you should when you should that will help the physical hunger, I don't ever seem to get hungry enough to think about the bad foods. Head hunger is different for everyone, but for me the quick weight loss and the changes I am seeing in my clothes and the mirror help with that.

You'll do great!

I asked my family to please hide the bread, chips, and icecream from me, or at the very least don't leave it laying out in front of my kitchen scales, lol.

I'm OK with any other food but can't trust myself to see fresh bread or a bag of chips laying on the counter. As long as it's away in a cupboard, or freezer, behind something else, I'm OK.

Sometimes when they're having toast, the smell of it drives me crazy so I have to distract myself with something until it's gone. I used to love hot buttered toast.

Kathy... I have been studying the TWH manual and we are supposed to have pita and toast in the soft food stage. Their program is so well rounded I love it. You can also use becel and light mayo and cream cheese light.

No chips but even now I make my own high protein Pita chips ( HADDAD Protein) I spray Olive Oil lightly use parsley and slight amt of organic garlic powder. They taste like chips.